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Burkina Faso 0-1 Senegal: Teranga Lionesses reach historic quarter-finals

Image courtesy of CAF Media.

Senegal became the first nation to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations as they beat fellow West Africans Burkina Faso in what was a tepid match.

Neither side were able to create nearly any chances and once again Senegal took the lead through a penalty to send themselves to a historic place in the knock outs.

Story of the match

Backed by the two most vocal visiting crowds at the tournament, both sides came bringing their physical brands of football to the table, but neither side had the quality to create any clear cut chances.

The closest either side came in the first half was when Tenning Sene, player of the match in the first match, dropped a cross from a corner. Burkina Faso weren’t able to take advantage though, Limata Nikiema dragging her shot wide after the ball was initially cleared.

Senegal, despite having more of the ball than in their victory over Uganda, were unable to craft opportunities.

The Stallion’s defence were more than a match for Nguenar Ndiaye in the aerial battle and were happy to deal with the long balls that troubled Uganda so much.

The match had the unique position of taking place nearly immediately before the match between hosts Morocco and Unganda meaning that the stadium that was mostly empty in the first half, was quickly filling up in the second with a noisy Moroccan crowd.

With a larger crowd bringing energy, the teams came out for the second half looking much more motivated. Five minutes after the break Senegal had a penalty appeal for a handball before Mama Diop’s volley from inside the box was easily gathered by Mariam Ouattara.

While the energy of the two sides had increased, the quality in possession didn’t. The players also struggled to maintain the tempo that they found early in the second half with lengthy stoppages in play due to injuries slowed down the game.

The fans had to wait until the 74th minute for a chance in open play as subsitute teenager Hapsatou Diallo fired a powerful shot down the throat of Ouatarra.

But it was five minutes later that the game came to life. Burkina Faso had a crossed freekick that was not initially dealt with. But when the ball was finally cleared, Diallo made a magnificent solo run, dribbling 50 metres before being brought down inside the box. Following a lengthy VAR check, the penalty stood.

The second penalty the teenager has won in two games was slotted home by fellow substitute Kora Fall.

Burkina Faso were unable to mount any form of comeback, having a half-hearted penalty appeal in the final minutes being the closest they came to a goal.

Serigne Cisse will be disappointed with his sides attacking display, but with six points and two clean-sheets, the head coach will be delighted with his team once again making history.

Stand out player

Mbayang Sow was the pick of the defenders that dominated the forward line of Burkina Faso. The Senegalese centre-back was powerful in the tackle, making some excellent challenges to cut out potential counter attacks. She is the defensive leader in the Senegal team, marshalling her defensive line well.

She also possesses an accurate long ball. Her left foot was often the outlet for the Teranga Lionesses, though her forward line rarely were able to retain possession.

Line ups

Burkina Faso – Ouatarra, Koudougou, Belem, Rouama, Zongo, Millogo (c), Sawadogo, Kabre, Congo, Balkissa, Nikiema

Substitutes: Tarnagda, Kafando, Nana

Senegal – Sene (gk), Dembele, Camara, Sow, Babou, S. Sagna (c), J. Sagna, Diakhate, Balde, Diop, Ndiaye

Substitutes: Diallo, Diagne, Fall, Ngom

Author

  • Alasdair Howorth

    Alasdair is a Kenyan-British multi-media journalist specialising in African football based in London. Alongside his studies in International Sports Journalism and his writing for the Sports Gazette, he is an Associate Producer for the On The Whistle podcast and is a writer for multiple outlets.